§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many inspections have been made at the Small school at Red House, Norwich; when the final inspection is due to be made; and if he will make a statement.
(2) whether approval has been sought under the Education Act 1981 by the Small school at Red House, Norwich;
(3) how many individual consents have been granted in each year since 1984 under the Education Act 1981 for pupils with statements of special education needs for admission to the Small school at Red House, Norwich; and if he will make a statement;
(4) how many schools are registered for the admission of one or more pupils with statements of special educational needs under the Education Act 1981; what is the minimum, average and maximum fee charged per week per pupil; and whether an entrance fee is charged.
§ Mr. ButcherThe Small school at Red House was provisionally registered as an independent school on 20 June 1986. Since then it has been visited twice by Her Majesty's inspectors of schools and a further visit has been arranged for the end of November when Her Majesty's inspectors will consider the school's eligibility for final registration and advise on the timing of an application for approval under the Education Act 1981. Four LEAs have applied for and been granted consents in respect of the placement of five pupils with emotional/behavioural problems at the school since 1986.
386WOne hundred and thirty-five independent schools have so far been approved under sections 11(3)(a) and 13(2) of the Education Act 1981 as suitable for the admission of children with statements of special educational needs. The fees charged at such schools vary widely and are related to the type of disability and the degree of specialist provision required. The payment of fees is entirely a matter for local education authorities and social services departments.